Apparatus, method, and system for automatically turning off an actuator in a refrigeration device upon detection of an unwanted condition

Abstract

An apparatus, method, and system for automatically turning off an electrically powered actuator in a refrigeration mechanism upon detection of an unwanted condition. In one aspect of the invention, the electrically powered actuator can be the motor of an ice maker / dispenser. The detection can be accomplished by sensing the presence of an object along or near an ice dispensing pathway from the ice maker / dispenser. The unwanted condition could be the presence of the object for more than a preset time period. This would allow to distinguish between an unwanted object such as silverware or clogged ice versus a wanted object such as flowing ice cubes, crushed ice, or shaved ice.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. Nos. 60 / 882,636, filed Dec. 29, 2006, and 60 / 890,107, filed Feb. 15, 2007, which is incorporated herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to refrigeration mechanisms and, in particular, to such mechanisms that include electrically powered actuators.[0004]2. Description of the Related Art[0005]Modern refrigeration mechanisms, such as refrigerator / freezer units, have electrically powered actuators that perform a variety of functions. An example is an ice maker / dispenser. Normally, electrical motors perform functions such as operating valves to supply water to the ice maker, moving a rod or rack to eject ice that has been frozen from supplied water, and moving other structure to move, alter, or direct ice pieces to an ice delivery or dispensing chute.[0006]In the case of an ice maker / dispenser, t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]It is therefore a principle object, aspect, feature and / or advantage of the present invention to provide an apparatus, method, and system which improves over or solves the problems and deficiencies in the art.

[0011]Further objects, aspects, features, and / or advantages of the present invention include, but are not limited to, an apparatus, method, or system for automatically detecting and disabling or turning off an electrically powered actuator in a refrigeration mechanism which:

[0012]a. prevents tampering, damage, or breakage of components of the refrigeration mechanism;

[0013]b. detects the difference between conditions indicative of an unwanted condition from a wanted condition for the refrigeration mechanism;

[0014]c. is robust, and durable, particularly in the environment of a refrigeration unit, where there can be a range of temperatures and moisture content;

[0016]e. does not require contact with an object to sense an unwanted condition; and

Problems solved by technology

Ice would back up and potentially damage the system.

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